How About a Spring Tune-Up?

After a long, white winter in the valley, we are finally seeing spring; bulbs showing their color, birds waking early, farmers and gardeners planting the seeds of summer harvests. From an East Asian medicine perspective, spring is the season associated with the Liver and Gall Bladder (GB) organ systems. To address seasonal changes, I frequently provide patients with a spring “tune-up” treatment. Patients are often interested in the emotional aspects of the Liver and GB – viewed through the lens of East Asian medicine.

Both these organ systems are strongly connected to our emotional health. They ensure the smooth flow of energy throughout our bodies as well as our ability to flow smoothly through life. We are all hit daily by both emotional and environmental stressors. The health of our Liver and GB systems are paramount to our capacity to handle this stress. A healthy Liver, for instance, gives us the strength, flexibility and forward vision to be able to set goals and move toward them without allowing obstacles to frustrate our progression. A healthy GB will help initiate a clear path forward in life and give us the courage to speak our truth.

Spring is an exciting time to renew our life’s path and plant the seeds for our future. It is a perfect time to clean both your external and internal environment. Your Liver and Gall Bladder are telling you: be brave, be strong, be flexible and don’t stop moving!